Alfredo Simon pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of Jake Arrieta during Monday's 4-3 loss to the Mariners, and his return has boosted an Orioles bullpen that has been a big disappointment in 2011. But the circumstances surrounding Simon's absence early in the season surely leave some fans feeling conflicted.

Simon is accused of shooting and killing a man in the Dominican Republic on New Year’s Day, and he is expected to go to trial for manslaughter sometime this summer. He continues to maintain his innocence, and the Orioles have opted to let him pitch while the legal system runs its course.

In the meantime, Simon will settle into a long relief role in the Orioles bullpen, and he could get a couple of starts in June now that Chris Tillman and Brad Bergesen have been sent down to Triple-A Norfolk. After a shaky outing Friday night in Oakland, Simon bounced back Monday afternoon.

But if the big guy continues to pitch well, some fans might not feel comfortable rooting for Simon until he is cleared of any wrongdoing down in the Dominican. He is innocent until proven guilty in the court of law -- and he has yet to be formally charged -- but swaying the jury in the court of public opinion is another story.

Your turn: Do you feel conflicted cheering for Alfredo Simon?

***I have updated this post to make sure it is clear that Simon has yet to be formally charged. His lawyer told The Associate Press that he expects manslaughter charges to be filed eventually.

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